Hi, I'm Joshua McNichols.

And I'm Monica Nicholsberg.

We host KUOW's Economy Podcast, booming.

ChatGPT may feel like magic, but every time you ask AI a question, it goes to a real place.

AI has a back end, and it looks like massive data centers sprawling across farmland in central Washington.

On our latest episode, is our AI obsession good for small town America?

Listen to booming on the KUOW app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Good afternoon from the KUOW Newsroom.

This is Seattle now.

I'm Paige Browning with our roundup of today's top stories.

It's Monday, April 21st.

Catholics across the globe are mourning the death of Pope Francis,

who died earlier today at the age of 88.

Noel Gaska has more on how local parishes are preparing

to honor the Pope's life. Seattle area Catholics and admirers of Pope Francis will have to wait

to formally pay their respects and say goodbye. Pope Francis died at the beginning of the Easter

octave, the eight-day period of celebration, which begins on Easter Sunday.

According to guidelines shared by the Archdiocese of Seattle, Masses for the dead are not allowed during this period.

But during a mass held at St. James Cathedral earlier this morning, Father Gary Lazzaroni acknowledged the Pope's passing. We also gather with hearts that are heavy at the news of the death of Pope Francis, a man

who lived the resurrection his whole life. A special mass is planned for Pope Francis at St. James

next Monday at noon. Noalgaska, KOWW News.

Turning to the state capital, Washington state lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the year in less than a week.

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